Players not playing ball – on and off – the pitch
AS IS the nature of the sport football can be quite unpredictable at the best of times. Especially when the big teams fall to comparatively smaller ones, adding a degree of intrigue and excitement to the contests.
That unpredictability can also be laden at the door of the footballers themselves.
There are various reasons for this with players sometimes unpredictable in their performances, and at other times, they can be strangely rebellious off the pitch.
The East London Central LFA Super 12 Premier league is just six weeks into the season and already the big teams are experiencing types of challenges due to the rebellious behaviour of their players.
It consequently has affected their performances and results, adding uncertainty around how the sides fare in the premier league.
Defending champions Riverside, are currently in a precarious eighth position, Seagulls have dropped from the top of the table to fourth on the logstandings and right bottom is Conquerors the hardest hit due to unbecoming player behaviour.
Table-topping Star of India president Warren Vengadajellum made his intention clear by roping in players from his development squad to replace the problematic “stars”.
Swaraj, DiRoma, Parkside United, Napoli and Brothers of Peace have a degree of stability after beefing up their management structures.
Hilton Poovan’s Pride of India appear to be the only side that has maintained a consistent squad of league players and the results has been coming their way.
On the playing front both Millan and Atlantic Spurs started their league campaigns off in swashbuckling fashion but have gone off the boil in recent weeks.
On Sunday, second placed Swaraj cross swords with a revitalised Brothers of Peace in the main game at 4pm at North End Stadium.
Despite picking up two fine wins in consecutive premier league encounters both CC-Lloyd-based Brothers of Peace and Parkridge-based Swaraj do have reasons to be concerned regarding their leaky defence which have now conceded 10 goals in six league outings.
Swaraj appear to have resolved their defensive frailties with the return of the ever-reliable centre-half Aviwe Klaas, who has recovered from a long-term injury.
DiRoma and Seagulls clash at 2.30pm while the defending champions Riverside and Atlantic Spurs square off in a Buffalo Flats derby at 1pm.
Parkside United will lock horns with Millan at 11.30am on the day.
On Saturday, table-toppers Star of India face basement dwellers Conquerors at 3.45pm and a resurgent third placed Pride of India host Napoli at 5.15pm.
Saints and FC East London are riding the crest of the wave in Central’s First Division. Ngamla face Leeds United today at 6.30pm; and Real Dukashe meet Alphen Warriors at 8pm, while on Sunday Imonti Christian Centre and Diaroma United clash at 10am.
Central LFA’s Youth league fixtures will be played at North End Stadium and at the Showgrounds.